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Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of people who try heroin will become addicted. As of 2011, over 4 million Americans had tried the drug at least once. Simply put, if you never try heroin in the first place, you don’t have to worry about becoming addicted to it.

Why is heroin so addictive?

Made from morphine (a pain killer), heroin produces intense feelings of elation. This leaves users always wanting more of it, which often leads to addiction. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that reproduces the effects of opium, a substance derived from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), as detailed in this PBS article. When you inject, snort, or smoke heroin, the specialized opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system respond by triggering a potent release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that generates feelings of pleasure or euphoria. Once the brain gets used to the euphoric rush that heroin produces, the user can experience intense cravings for the drug.

Why is heroin so dangerous?

Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it also produces sedation. This is why heroin users talk about “nodding off” or “going on the nod” to refer to the deep drowsiness it produces. At high doses, heroin can slow the heart rate and respiration to a dangerous level, causing unconsciousness and death. In addition to the danger of overdose, heroin use can cause other serious health problems, including:

Permanent chemical imbalances in the brain

A deterioration in cognitive skills, such as decision-making and memory

Infections or abscesses at the injection site, potentially leading to serious infections of the circulatory system

But the risks of heroin abuse haven’t stopped Americans from experimenting with this drug, or from becoming addicted. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, heroin overdose deaths increased significantly in 28 states between 2010 and 2012, indicating that usage of the drug is on the rise throughout the country.

The Recovery Village offers a full continuum of rehab services for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Call our toll-free number today for information about our progressive treatment programs.

Can You Become Addicted to Heroin the First Time? was last modified: July 18th, 2017 by The Recovery Village

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Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.

Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.